That's a lot of people, that's a lot of trouble...
What should I do?
Let's just try it out for a while.

　I made a tentative agreement with the small animals as I have been doing.
　I'll have them sneakily move them around and make a rustling noise.

''Hmm?　What's that noise?
Who's there?
Okay, you two go check it out. It could be a diversion. The rest of you will stay here and secure the entrance.

　Two of them, I was able to pull them apart, but the remaining eight or more remain attached to the entrance.
　The two who pulled away also returned in about five minutes.

''This........is an ironclad defense.
How are we going to get in?
Hmm.

　I look around to see what's going on and think of a plan.
　Finia, who is next to me, gives me such an expectant look.
　Sakura was also staring at me as if she was expecting me.

　I want to come up with a bizarre plan and meet the expectations of these two.
　I want to meet them...

I can't.
'Eh....'
It's impossible to slip through that ironclad defense without anyone noticing.
Oh, no...
Or you could take your time... or maybe not even that.

　The more time you spend with them, the better prepared they will be.
　More than now, a full-blown 'hunt' will begin.

　Besides, once the strings are twisted up, they will become more and more complicated and intertwined.
　If possible, it's best to untie them at the earliest opportunity.

　However, we can't just plunge in with nothing.
　If you fail, it's the end of the world.
　There is no do-over.

What do we do about...?
Oh, um...
Yeah?

　Finia looked at me, as if she had made up her mind to do something.

'Uh, well, you know...'
'Relax. If you need to talk to me, I'll listen, and I want you to make sure it's in Finia's language.
'Oh....'
What's going on?
"...Rain, you always give me the words I want to hear. And, you know, you've got my back. He's human, but I can count on him.
'Really?　I'm not sure but I'm glad you're right.
Well, I've got an idea.

　Finia squeezes her hands in front of her chest and appeals to me in a desperate pose.

'W-why don't you catch me?



----------



Hey, it feels like...
I know, I know. Human scent and presence. Don't come any closer.
'Straight up and openly ... are you making fun of me?　Oh well. All hands, let's go for it!
Oh, um...

　Fearful of the tense atmosphere, I gingerly stepped out of the shadows.
　Then everyone's faces went wide with surprise.

'Finia!'
Thank God you're all right. I was worried when I heard you'd been framed by the humans.
But that's funny, isn't it?　I thought I smelled a human and a hint of a human, too...?
Yeah, about that, Sakura-chan.
On!

　The one who showed up was Sakura.
　On her back, she had a woman named Leanne and Monica on her back...
　In addition, he had a rope in his mouth that restrained Rain-san behind his back.

''Well, about that human being.........I caught him.
""What the hell?!"

　Everyone was surprised all at once.
　Maybe they think it's because of me.
　Ugh.........maybe it's a fair assessment, but I'm a little depressed.

''Oh, no ... that's great, Finia. Well done!
It's a big deal. I've been reviewing it.
Heh, heh, heh...
All right. All right, we'll start questioning these people right now. You two, report to the chief!
Come on, Finia. Give them to me.
Um, about that... wow, can you just let me handle it?
What?
''First of all, I think we have to report to the.......mother......chief. And I think it would be quicker to talk about all sorts of things if these humans were there with you....
Maybe so, but if that's the case, why don't you let us handle the rest?
'Oh, yes. Finia's been through a lot and she's probably tired. You need to rest.
"With an ear to ear...

　It's a plausible statement, and for a moment, I almost nodded my head and said I understood.
　But I can't do that.
　If I do, the strategy I worked so hard on is par for the course.

''Uh, um ... wow, let me do it!
Finia?
I'm the daughter of a chief. I have to show you that I'm growing up, I have to show you that I'm growing up properly!

　I say with gusto.

　It's a bit pushy, but I hope you agree...?
　I look at everyone's faces in horror.

''I can't believe that Finia said this...''
'Oh, I see, it's grown up before I knew it...'

　They all looked very emotional.
　Ugh........guilt.
　Fundamentally, even if it's to solve this case, I feel very sorry for it already, like I'm betraying everyone.

''Alright, I'll leave it to Finia then.
We'll keep a lookout on the perimeter just in case.
Oh, please.

　Smiling, I walked through the door and into the village.
　I came to an empty place and let out a big breath, Fuhaaahhhhhhh.

''Ugh, it worked.......it worked, right?''
Yeah, I think I'm okay.

　It was Rain who replied.
　He smiles as if to praise me for my efforts.

'Pretend you caught me and then go straight to the village to infiltrate.......yeah. I think it's a very good plan. In fact, this is how it works, you know.
Yeah, heh, well it was a bit of a close call, but we managed it.

　If it's impossible to sneak in, then you can go head-on with an open mind.
　With that in mind, I came up with this plan.

　What would happen if I betrayed him?
　I'm sure it would be a very unfair gamble, but Mr. Lane trusted me.
　Then I have to respond to that.
　Even if they are fellow human beings.
　Now that he trusts you, you have to do your best.

I....will do my best!